Panel assembly and aftertreatment assembly including panel assemblies

ABSTRACT

A panel assembly includes a panel member, a frame member, and at least one first bar member, and at least one second bar member. The at least one first bar member and the at least one second bar member divide the panel member into a plurality of first areas defining a first height and a first width. The panel assembly also includes a plurality of support arrangements for dividing each first area into a plurality of second areas. Each support arrangement includes a first support member defining a first length such that the first width defined by the first area is greater than the first length. Each support arrangement also includes a second support member defining a second length such that the first height defined by the first area is greater than the second length.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a panel assembly, and moreparticularly, an aftertreatment assembly including a plurality of panelassemblies.

BACKGROUND

An aftertreatment system is associated with an engine, such as aninternal combustion engine, to reduce and convert particulate matterthat may be present in an exhaust gas flow exiting the engine. Theaftertreatment system is typically disposed within a housing. Thehousing includes a number of panel assemblies that are arranged todefine a hollow space for receiving the aftertreatment system. Theexhaust gas flow may cause exhaust gas pressure pulsations which mayvibrate one or more components of the aftertreatment system. Suchvibrations may be transferred to the panel assemblies and may causecracking of the panel assemblies.

In order to prevent or minimize damage to the panel assemblies subjectedto the exhaust gas pressure pulsations, it may be desirable for thepanel assemblies to have natural frequencies outside the range of thepulsations. Further, conventional panel assemblies that are used withaftertreatment systems are often expensive and/or complex to manufactureand exhibit repeatability constraints in a production environment.Additionally, there is a lack of a panel assembly that can be scaled tomeet requirements of configurations and sizes of differentaftertreatment systems.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,330 describes a muffler for a pneumatic impactdevice operating at a frequency below or about 60 Hertz. The mufflerincludes an elastomeric housing adapted to receive and discharge exhaustgas. Further, the elastomeric housing is divided into an admissionchamber and a series of muffler chambers. An inlet conduit iscommunicating with the admission chamber and each muffler chamber. Anexhaust conduit is communicating with each muffler chamber as well aswith a tail pipe outside the elastomeric housing. A Helmholtz resonatoris communicating with the admission chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a panel assembly is provided.The panel assembly includes a panel member defining a longitudinal axis.The panel assembly also includes a frame member secured to the panelmember. The panel assembly further includes at least one first barmember extending along the longitudinal axis of the panel member, the atleast one first bar member being secured to the panel member and theframe member. The panel assembly includes at least one second bar memberextending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thepanel member, the at least one second bar member being secured to thepanel member and the frame member. The at least one first bar member andthe at least one second bar member divide the panel member into aplurality of first areas defining a first height and a first width. Thepanel assembly also includes a plurality of support arrangements securedto the panel member. Each of the plurality of first areas receive acorresponding support arrangement of the plurality of supportarrangements for dividing the first area into a plurality of secondareas. Each support arrangement includes a first support memberextending along the longitudinal axis of the panel member. The firstsupport member defines a first length such that the first width definedby the first area is greater than the first length. Each supportarrangement also includes a second support member secured to the firstsupport member and extending substantially perpendicular to the firstsupport member. The second support member defines a second length suchthat the first height defined by the first area is greater than thesecond length.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an aftertreatment assembly isprovided. The aftertreatment assembly includes an aftertreatment system.The aftertreatment assembly also includes a housing for receiving theaftertreatment system. The housing includes a plurality of panelassemblies arranged to define a hollow space for receiving theaftertreatment system. Each panel assembly includes a panel memberdefining a longitudinal axis. Each panel assembly also includes a framemember secured to the panel member. Each panel assembly further includesat least one first bar member extending along the longitudinal axis ofthe panel member, the at least one first bar member being secured to thepanel member and the frame member. Each panel assembly includes at leastone second bar member extending substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the panel member, the at least one second barmember being secured to the panel member and the frame member. The atleast one first bar member and the at least one second bar member dividethe panel member into a plurality of first areas defining a first heightand a first width. Each panel assembly also includes a plurality ofsupport arrangements secured to the panel member. Each of the pluralityof first areas receive a corresponding support arrangement of theplurality of support arrangements for dividing the first area into aplurality of second areas. Each support arrangement includes a firstsupport member extending along the longitudinal axis of the panelmember. The first support member defines a first length such that thefirst width defined by the first area is greater than the first length.Each support arrangement also includes a second support member securedto the first support member and extending substantially perpendicular tothe first support member. The second support member defines a secondlength such that the first height defined by the first area is greaterthan the second length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aftertreatment assemblyhaving a housing with certain components removed for purposes ofillustration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first side of a panelassembly associated with the housing of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second side of the panelassembly of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged, fragmented front view of a portion ofthe panel assembly of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portion of the panelassembly of FIG. 4 generally along line A-A; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the portion of the panelassembly of FIG. 4 generally along line B-B;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a panel assembly associated with theaftertreatment assembly of FIG. 1 , according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a panel assembly associated with theaftertreatment assembly of FIG. 1 , according to yet another embodimentof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aftertreatment assembly 100. Theaftertreatment assembly 100 is positioned at an exhaust side (not shown)of an engine (not shown), such as an internal combustion engine. Theaftertreatment assembly 100 may be associated with a mobile machine,such as a construction machine, or a stationary machine, as perapplication requirements. The aftertreatment assembly 100 includes anaftertreatment system 102. The aftertreatment system 102 treats anexhaust gas flow exiting an exhaust manifold (not shown) of the engine.The exhaust gas flow may contain emission compounds, such as nitrogenoxides (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and other suchcombustion products. The aftertreatment system 102 may trap or convertNOx, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, its combinations, orother combustion products in the exhaust gas flow before the exhaust gasflow is released into atmosphere.

The aftertreatment system 102 may include a number of components, suchas a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module (not shown), a DieselOxidation Catalyst (DOC)/a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) section 103,a reductant dosing module 105, a mixer tube 107, an inlet pipe 109, anoutlet pipe 111, an inlet wiring control box 113, an outlet wiringcontrol box 115, and the like. The DOC/DPF section 103 may include a DOCmodule and/or a DPF module disposed therein. The inlet pipe 109 allowsthe exhaust gas flow exiting the engine to be introduced in a componentof the aftertreatment system 102. Further, the outlet pipe 111 allowsclean air to exit the aftertreatment system 102.

The aftertreatment assembly 100 includes a housing 104 in which theaftertreatment system 102 is disposed. More particularly, the housing104 defines a hollow space 106 for receiving the aftertreatment system102. The housing 104 is embodied as a rigid, box shaped structure. Thehousing 104 includes a number of brackets 108 that may allow attachmentof the aftertreatment assembly 100 to a surface (not shown). Further,the housing 104 defines an opening (not shown) for receiving the inletpipe 109 of the aftertreatment system 102.

The housing 104 defines a housing length “L1”. In some examples, thehousing length “L1” may approximately lie in a range of 3500 millimeter(mm) to 4000 mm. Further, the housing 104 defines a housing width “W1”.The housing width “W1” may approximately lie in a range of 1500 mm to3000 mm. The housing 104 also defines a housing height “H1”. The housingheight “H1” may approximately lie in a range of 1000 mm to 2000 mm. Itshould be noted that the ranges for the housing length “L1”, the housingwidth “W1”, and the housing height “H1” provided herein are exemplary innature and the ranges may vary as per application requirements.Hereinafter, the housing length “L1”, the housing width “W1”, and thehousing height “H1” may be referred to as housing dimensions.

Further, the housing 104 includes a number of panel assemblies 110arranged to define the hollow space 106 for receiving the aftertreatmentsystem 102. In other words, the number of panel assemblies 110 arearranged to form the housing 104 for receiving the aftertreatment system102. Some components of the panel assemblies 110 that are disposed atlocations 117, 119, 129 have been omitted from FIG. 1 for illustratingthe components of the aftertreatment system 102. It should be noted thateach panel assembly 110 may have the same dimensions or differentdimensions so as to define the housing 104 based on a configuration anda size of the aftertreatment system 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a panel assembly 110, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In an embodiment, the panel assembly 110 may bemade of stainless steel. In other embodiments, other metals or alloysmay be used to manufacture the panel assembly 110, without anylimitations. The panel assembly 110 defines a first side 112 and asecond side 114 that is opposite to the first side 112. The first side112 faces away from the aftertreatment system 102 and may be referred toas the outside. The second side 114 faces the aftertreatment system 102and may be referred to as the inside. Further, the panel assembly 110defines a longitudinal axis “X-X1” and a vertical axis “Y-Y1” that isgenerally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “X-X1”.

The panel assembly 110 includes a frame member 118, one or more firstbar members 120 (shown in FIG. 3 ), one or more second bar members 121,122, 123 (shown in FIG. 3 ), and a number of support arrangements 124(shown in FIG. 3 ) that will be explained in detail later in thissection. The panel assembly 110 also includes a panel member 116. Thepanel member 116 includes one or more panels 126, 128. In theillustrated embodiment, the panel member 116 includes the pair of panels126, 128, namely the first panel 126 and the second panel 128. It shouldbe noted that a total number of the panels 126, 128 may vary as perapplication requirements. For example, the panel member 116 may includethree panels, four panels, six panels, and the like.

Further, the frame member 118, the one or more first bar members 120,the one or more second bar members 121, 122, 123, and the number ofsupport arrangements 124 are secured to the panel member 116 by welding.Details related to welding of various parts of the panel assembly 110will be described later in this section. Each panel 126, 128 defines apanel width “W2”, a panel height “H2”, and a panel thickness “T1” (shownin FIG. 5 ). The panel width “W2” and the panel height “H2” may varybased on the housing dimensions “L1”, “W1”, “H1” and/or the total numberof the panels 126, 128. A maximum value of the panel height “H2” mayapproximately lie in a range of 1300 mm to 1600 mm. Further, a maximumvalue of the panel width “W2” may approximately lie in a range of 2400mm to 2800 mm. Moreover, a maximum value of the panel thickness “T1” mayapproximately lie in a range of 1.2 mm to 7 mm.

The panel assembly 110 includes the frame member 118 secured to thepanel member 116. More particularly, the frame member 118 is secured toeach panel 126, 128 along three boundary edges of the correspondingpanels 126, 128. In other embodiments, the frame member 118 may besecured to each panel 126, 128 along one boundary edge or two boundaryedges of the corresponding panel 126, 128. The frame member 118 issecured to each panel 126, 128 by welding. More particularly, the framemember 118 is secured to each panel 126, 128 by 3 mm to 6 mm filletwelds. The frame member 118 defines an inner surface 130 (shown in FIG.3 ), an outer surface 132, a first surface 134, and a second surface 136(shown in FIG. 3 ). The boundary edges of the panels 126, 128 aresecured to the first surface 134 of the frame member 118. Further, theouter surface 132 of the frame member 118 may be welded to adjacentpanel assemblies 110 of the housing 104 (see FIG. 1 ) for forming thehousing 104.

The frame member 118 includes a number of frame sections 140, 142, 144,146. More particularly, the frame member 118 includes the first framesection 140, the second frame section 142, the third frame section 144,and the fourth frame section 146. The frame sections 140, 142, 144, 146when secured to each other together define the inner surface 130, theouter surface 132, the first surface 134, and the second surface 136 ofthe frame member 118. As illustrated, each frame section 140, 142, 144,146 is substantially perpendicular to an adjacent frame section 140,142, 144, 146. The frame sections 140, 142, 144, 146 are secured to eachother by welding. More particularly, each frame section 140, 142, 144,146 of the number of frame sections 140, 142, 144, 146 is secured to theadjacent frame section 140, 142, 144, 146 of the number of framesections 140, 142, 144, 146 by a miter joint 148. Further, the framesections 140, 142, 144, 146 may be secured to each other by full weldingand grinding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds for sealing purposes. Inother embodiments, the frame sections 140, 142, 144, 146 may be joinedby another type of weld joint that provides efficient sealing. Further,each frame section 140, 142, 144, 146 includes a tubular frame having asubstantially square cross-section. Alternatively, each frame section140, 142, 144, 146 may have a cross-section that is C-shaped,rectangular, or circular, without any limitations.

The frame member 118 defines a height “H3”. A maximum value of theheight “H3” may approximately lie in a range of 1000 mm to 1600 mm.Further, the frame member 118 defines a width “W3”. A maximum value ofthe width “W3” may approximately lie in a range of 1500 mm to 3000 mm.It should be noted that the height “H3” and the width “W3” of the framemember 118 may vary based on variation in the housing dimensions “L1”,“W1”, “H1”. For example, the height “H3” and the width “W3” of the framemember 118 may increase when additional panels 126, 128 are added to thepanel assembly 110 as per desired housing dimensions “L1”, “W1”, “H1”.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the panel assembly 110 also includes the oneor more first bar members 120 extending along the longitudinal axis“X-X1” of the panel assembly 110. The one or more first bar members 120are embodied as horizontally extending members. In the illustratedembodiment, the panel assembly 110 includes the single first bar member120. In alternate embodiments, the panel assembly 110 may include two ormore first bar members 120 arranged parallel to each other. Further, thefirst bar member 120 illustrated herein includes a single piece design.Alternatively, the first bar member 120 may include two or more portionsdisposed adjacent to each other that together define the first barmember 120.

The one or more first bar members 120 are secured to the panel member116 and the frame member 118. More particularly, the one or more firstbar members 120 and the one or more second bar members 121, 122, 123 aresecured to the frame member 118 by welding. The first bar member 120 issecured to the first frame section 140 at a first end 150 of the firstbar member 120 and to the third frame section 144 at a second end 152 ofthe first bar member 120 by full welding using 3 mm to 6 mm filletwelds. It should be noted that the first bar member 120 is secured tothe inner surface 130 of the frame member 118. Further, the first barmember 120 is secured to the first panel 126 and the second panel 128 byspot welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds as illustrated by weldmarks 125 (shown in FIG. 2 ).

The panel assembly 110 further includes the one or more second barmembers 121, 122, 123 extending substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis “X-X1” of the panel assembly 110. The second barmembers 121, 122, 123 are embodied as vertically extending members. Inone embodiment, the one or more second bar members 121, 122, 123 includetwo or more second bar members 121, 122, 123. In the illustratedembodiment, the panel assembly 110 includes three second bar members121, 122, 123. The second bar members 121, 122, 123 are parallel to eachother. In alternate embodiments, the panel assembly 110 may include lessthan three second bar members 121, 122, 123 or more than three secondbar members 121, 122, 123, such that the second bar members 121, 122,123 are arranged parallel to each other. In another embodiment, thesecond bar members 121, 122, 123 may be disposed at an angle relative toeach other. In yet another embodiment, the second bar members 121, 122,123 may be offset relative to each other. Further, the one or moresecond bar members 121, 122, 123 define a first portion 154 and a secondportion 156. The first and second portions 154, 156 are in alignmentwith each other and extend along the vertical axis “Y-Y1” to define eachsecond bar member 121, 122, 123. In another example, the first andsecond portions 154, 156 may be disposed at an angle relative to eachother. In yet another example, the first and second portions 154, 156may be offset relative to each other. Alternatively, the second barmembers 121, 122, 123 may include a single piece design.

The one or more second bar members 121, 122, 123 are secured to thepanel member 116 and the frame member 118. As illustrated, the firstpanel 126 is secured to the first frame section 140, a portion of thesecond frame section 142, a portion of the fourth frame section 146, andthe second bar member 122. Further, the second panel 128 is secured tothe third frame section 144, a portion of the second frame section 142,a portion of the fourth frame section 146, and the second bar member122. The second bar members 121, 122, 123 are secured to the panelmember 116 by 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. More particularly, the secondbar member 122 is secured to the first and second panels 126, 128 byfull welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. Moreover, the second barmember 123 is secured to the first panel 126 and the second bar member121 is secured to the second panel 128 by spot welding using 3 mm to 6mm fillet welds as illustrated by weld marks 127 (shown in FIG. 2 ).

Further, the second bar members 121, 122, 123 are secured to the framemember 118 by full welding and grinding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet weldsfor sealing purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion154 of each second bar member 121, 122, 123 is secured to the secondframe section 142 at a third end 158 of the second portion 156 and tothe first bar member 120 at a fourth end 160 of the second portion 156by full welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. Further, the secondportion 156 of each second bar member 121, 122, 123 is secured to thefirst bar member 120 at a third end 158 of the second portion 156 and tothe fourth frame section 146 at a fourth end 160 of the second portion156 by full welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. It should be notedthat the first portion 154, proximate the third end 158, of each secondbar member 121, 122, 123 and the second portion 156, proximate thefourth end 160, of each second bar member 121, 122, 123 are secured tothe inner surface 130 of the frame member 118.

Moreover, the second bar members 121, 122, 123 are secured to the firstbar member 120 by welding. More particularly, the second bar members121, 122, 123 may be secured to the first bar member 120 by full weldingand grinding with 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds for sealing purposes.Further, the first bar member 120 and the second bar members 121, 122,123 include a tubular frame having a substantially square cross-section.Alternatively, the first bar member 120 and the second bar members 121,122, 123 may have a cross-section that is C-shaped, rectangular, orcircular, without any limitations.

It should be noted that, in some cases, the panel assembly 110 may beconnected to one or more perpendicularly disposed panel assemblies 110by a number of structural members (not shown) to form the housing 104(see FIG. 1 ). The structural members may embody a gusset. For example,the first bar members 120 of the adjacently disposed panel assemblies110 may be connected to each other by the structural members. In otherexamples, the second bar members 121, 122, 123 of the adjacentlydisposed panel assemblies 110 may be connected to each other by thestructural members.

Further, the one or more first bar members 120 and the one or moresecond bar members 121, 122, 123 divide the panel member 116 into anumber of first areas 161 defining a first height “H4” and a first width“W4”. Each of the one or more panels 126, 128 includes the one or morefirst areas 161. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first panel126 and the second panel 128 defines four first areas 161. Further, thefirst bar member 120 and the second bar members 121, 122, 123 divide thepanel member 116 into eight first areas 161. More particularly, thepanel height “H2” (see FIG. 2 ) and the panel width “W2” (see FIG. 2 )are equally divided to define the first areas 161. Although, the panelmember 116 includes eight first areas 161 herein, the panel member 116may include six first areas 161, ten first areas 161, twelve first areas161, or any even number of the first areas 161. However, in someembodiments, the panel assembly 110 may include an odd number of thefirst areas 161 based on the configuration and the size of theaftertreatment system 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates a zoomed-in view of the panel assembly 110illustrating the first area 161. For explanatory purposes, variousdetails pertaining to the first areas 161 will be explained in relationto a portion of the panel assembly 110 illustrated in FIG. 4 . However,the details provided below are equally applicable to the entire panelassembly 110, without any limitations. As illustrated, the first area161 defines the first height “H4” and the first width “W4”. It should benoted that a value of the first height “H4” and a value of the firstwidth “W4” is same for each first area 161, regardless of a total numberof the first areas 161. A maximum value of the first height “H4” mayapproximately lie in a range of 500 mm to 750 mm. Moreover, a maximumvalue of the first width “W4” may approximately lie in a range of 400 mmto 600 mm. It should be noted that the ranges for the first height “H4”and the first width “W4” is exemplary in nature and dimensions of thefirst area 161 may vary based on the configuration and the size of theaftertreatment system 102.

The panel assembly 110 further includes a number of support arrangements124 secured to the panel member 116. Further, the number of supportarrangements 124 are not secured to the frame member 118, the one ormore first bar members 120, and the one or more second bar members 121,122, 123 (see FIG. 3 ). Each of the first areas 161 receive acorresponding support arrangement 124 of the number of supportarrangements 124 for dividing the first area 161 into a number of secondareas 163. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more secondareas 163 includes four second areas 163. In other words, each firstarea 161 is divided into four second areas 163. Further, the firstheight “H4” and the first width “W4” are equally divided to define thesecond areas 163. Although, each first area 161 includes four firstareas 161 herein, a total number of the second areas 163 may vary and,in some embodiments, the panel assembly 110 may include additionalsecond areas 163 based on the configuration and the size of theaftertreatment system 102.

Each second area 163 includes a second height “H5” and a second width“W5”. In some examples, a maximum value of the second height “H5” mayapproximately lie in a range of 250 mm to 400 mm, whereas a maximumvalue of the second width “W5” may approximately lie in a range of 200mm to 400 mm. It should be noted that the ranges for the second height“H5” and the second width “W5” is exemplary in nature and dimensions ofthe second area 163 may vary based on the configuration and the size ofthe aftertreatment system 102.

Each support arrangement 124 includes a first support member 162extending along the longitudinal axis “X-X1” (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of thepanel assembly 110. The first support member 162 is embodied as arectangular plate herein (see FIG. 3 ). The first support member 162defines a first end portion 166 and a second end portion 168. In someexamples, the first support member 162 may include rounded or chamferededges proximate the first and second end portions 166, 168. The firstsupport member 162 defines a first length “L2” such that the first width“W4” defined by the first area 161 is greater than the first length“L2”. In one example, the first length “L2” of the first support member162 may approximately lie in a range of 150 mm and 350 mm.

Further, each support arrangement 124 includes a second support member164 secured to the first support member 162 and extending substantiallyperpendicular to the first support member 162. The second support member164 is embodied as a rectangular plate herein (see FIG. 3 ). The secondsupport member 164 defines a third end portion 170 and a fourth endportion 172. In some examples, the second support member 164 may includerounded or chamfered edges proximate the third and fourth end portions170, 172. The second support member 164 defines a second length “L3”such that the first height “H4” defined by the first area 161 is greaterthan the second length “L3”. In one example, the second length “L3” ofthe second first support member 162 may approximately lie in a range of150 mm and 350 mm. In one example, the first support member 162 mayengage or lock with the second support member 164 to form the supportarrangement 124. In some examples, the first and second support members162, 164 may be welded to each other. In other examples, the supportarrangement 124 may include an integral piece defining the first andsecond support members 162, 164. Further, the first and second supportmembers 162, 164 include a thickness “T2”. The thickness “T2” mayapproximately lie in a range of 1.2 mm to 7 mm. It should be noted thatthe thickness “T2” of the first and second support members 162, 164 mayvary based on the cross-section of the frame member 118 and/or the panelthickness “T1” (see FIG. 5 ).

Further, in some examples, the first and second support members 162, 164may be secured to the panel member 116 at any one or all of thequadrants. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second supportmembers 162, 164 are secured to the respective panels 126, 128 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the panel member 116 by welding using 3 mm to 6 mmfillet weld. More particularly, the first and second support members162, 164 are secured to the respective panels 126, 128 by skip weldingas illustrated by weld marks 167. The skip welding may include a weldlength between 25 mm and 75 mm and a pitch between 100 mm and 200 mm. Inother embodiments, full welding may be used to secure the first andsecond support members 162, 164 to the respective panels 126, 128.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a cross-section of the panel assembly 110generally along line A-A (see FIG. 4 ) is illustrated. As shown in FIG.5 , as the first length “L2” of the first support member 162 is lesserthan the first width “W4” of the first area 161, the first supportmember 162 is spaced apart from the frame member 118 and the second barmember 121. More particularly, a first gap 174 is defined between theframe member 118 and the first end portion 166 of the first supportmember 162. The first gap 174 includes a first distance “D1”. Moreover,a second gap 176 is defined between the second end portion 168 of thefirst support member 162 and the second bar member 121. Thus, the firstsupport member 162 is not secured to the frame member 118 and the secondbar member 121 and is only secured to the panel member 116. The secondgap 176 includes a second distance “D2”. The first and second distances“D1”, “D2” may approximately lie in a range of 2 mm and 30 mm. In someexamples, a maximum value of the first and second distances “D1”, “D2”may approximately lie in a range of 22 mm to 30 mm.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a cross-section of the panel assembly 110generally along line B-B (see FIG. 4 ) is illustrated. As shown in FIG.6 , as the second length “L3” of the second support member 164 is lesserthan the first height “H4” of the first area 161, the second supportmember 164 is spaced apart from the frame member 118 and/or the firstbar member 120. More particularly, a third gap 178 is defined betweenthe frame member 118 and the third end portion 170 of the second supportmember 164. The third gap 178 includes a third distance “D3”. Further, afourth gap 180 is defined between the fourth end portion 172 of thesecond support member 164 and the first bar member 120. Thus, the secondsupport member 164 is not secured to the frame member 118 and the firstbar member 120 and is only secured to the panel member 116. The fourthgap 180 includes a fourth distance “D4”. The third and fourth distances“D3”, “D4” may approximately lie in a range of 2 mm and 30 mm. In someexamples, a maximum value of the third and fourth distances “D3”, “D4”may approximately lie in a range of 22 mm to 30 mm.

Referring to FIG. 3 , for assembling the panel assembly 110, the framemember 118 is disposed and, in some examples, the frame member 118 maybe secured to adjacent panel assemblies 110 by welding. Further, thefirst bar member 120 and the second bar members 121, 122, 123 may besecured to the frame member 118 by welding. In some examples, the firstbar member 120 and the second bar members 121, 122, 123 may bepre-welded to the frame member 118. In such examples, the frame member118 along with the first bar member 120 and the second bar members 121,122, 123 may be secured to the adjacent panel assemblies 110 by welding.Further, the panel member 116 is secured to the frame member 118, thefirst bar member 120, and the second bar members 121, 122, 123 bywelding. It should be noted that the support arrangements 124 may bepre-welded to the panel member 116. In other examples, the entire panelassembly 110 may be assembled beforehand and then secured to theadjacent panel assemblies 110 by welding. In alternate embodiments, theentire panel assembly 110 may be pre-welded and secured to adjacentpanel assemblies 110 to form the housing 104 (see FIG. 1 ).

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure.As illustrated in FIG. 7 , a panel assembly 700 is illustrated. Thepanel assembly 700 includes a panel member 716. The panel member 716 issimilar to the panel member 116 of the panel assembly 110 described inrelation to FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the panel member 716includes three panels 726, 728, 729 having same dimensions. Each of thethree panels 726, 728, 729 is similar to the first and second panels126, 128 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the panel assembly 700 includes a frame member 718and a first bar member 720. The frame member 718 and the first barmember 720 are similar to the frame member 118 and the first bar member120 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 .Moreover, the first bar member 720 may be secured to the respectivepanels 726, 728, 729 by spot welding or full welding. Further, the panelassembly 700 described herein includes two second bar members 721, 722.Each second bar member 721, 722 is similar to the second bar member 121,122, 123 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 3 .Further, the panel 726 is secured to the frame member 718 and the secondbar member 722, the panel 728 is secured to each of the second barmembers 721, 722, and the panel 729 is secured to the frame member 718and the second bar member 721. Moreover, each second bar member 721, 722is secured to the respective panels 726, 728, 729, the frame member 718,and the first bar member 720 by full welding. Further, detailspertaining to various welding connections between the frame member 718,the panel member 716, the first bar member 720, and the second barmembers 721, 722 are similar to details pertaining to various weldingconnections between the frame member 118, the panel member 116, thefirst bar member 120, and the second bar members 121, 122 of the panelassembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 3 .

Further, the first bar member 720 and the second bar members 721, 722divide the panel member 716 into the first areas 761. In the illustratedembodiment, the panel assembly 700 defines six first areas 761 similarto the first areas 161 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIGS. 3 and 4 . The panel assembly 700 also includes a number ofsupport arrangements 724 similar to the support arrangements 124 of thepanel assembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 4 . The supportarrangements 724 are secured to the panel member 716. Moreover, thesupport arrangements 724 are not secured to the frame member 718, thefirst bar member 720, and the second bar members 721, 722. Further, eachfirst area 761 is divided into four second areas 763 by thecorresponding support arrangement 724. The second areas 763 are similarto the second areas 163 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIG. 4 .

Each support arrangement 724 includes a first support member 762 and asecond support member 764. A design of the first and second supportmembers 762, 764 is similar to the design of the first and secondsupport members 162, 164 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIG. 4 . It should be noted that details pertaining to weldingconnections between the first and second support members 762, 764 andthe panel member 716 are similar to details pertaining to weldingconnections between the first and second support members 162, 164 andthe panel member 116 described in relation to FIG. 4 .

Further, design and details pertaining to arrangement of various partsof the panel assembly 700 are similar to design and details pertainingto arrangement of various parts of the panel assembly 110. However,dimensions of the frame member 718, the panel member 716, the first barmember 720, the second bar members 721, 722, the first areas 761, thefirst support member 762, the second support member 764, and the secondareas 763 of the panel assembly 700 may vary as per applicationrequirements.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate yet another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , a panel assembly 900 isillustrated. The panel assembly 900 includes a panel member 916. Thepanel member 916 is similar to the panel member 116 of the panelassembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 2 . In the illustratedembodiment, the panel member 916 includes six panels 926 having samedimensions. Each of the six panels 926 is similar to the first andsecond panels 126, 128 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , the panel assembly 900 includes a frame member918 and a first bar member 920. The frame member 918 and the first barmember 920 are similar to the frame member 118 and the first bar member120 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 .Moreover, the first bar member 920 is secured to the panel member 916 byfull welding. Further, the panel assembly 900 described herein includesfive second bar members 921, 922. Each second bar member 921, 922 issimilar to the second bar member 121, 122, 123 of the panel assembly 110described in relation to FIG. 3 . Further, some panels 926 are securedto the frame member 918 and the second bar member 922 by full weldingand some panels 926, that are centrally located, are secured to both thesecond bar member 922 by full welding. Moreover, each second bar member921 is secured to the respective panels 926 by spot welding asillustrated by weld marks 967 (shown in FIG. 9 ). Further, detailspertaining to various welding connections between the frame member 918,the panel member 916, the first bar member 920, and the second barmembers 921, 922 are similar to details pertaining to various weldingconnections between the frame member 118, the panel member 116, thefirst bar member 120, and the second bar members 121, 122, 123 of thepanel assembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 3 .

Further, the first bar member 920 and the second bar members 921, 922divide the panel member 916 into the first areas 961. In the illustratedembodiment, the panel assembly 900 defines twelve first areas 961similar to the first areas 161 of the panel assembly 110 described inrelation to FIGS. 3 and 4 . The panel assembly 900 also includes anumber of support arrangements 924 similar to the support arrangements124 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation to FIG. 4 . Thesupport arrangements 924 are secured to the panel member 916. Moreover,the support arrangements 924 are not secured to the frame member 918,the first bar member 920, and the second bar members 921, 922. Further,each first area 961 is divided into four second areas 963 by thecorresponding support arrangement 924. The second areas 963 are similarto the second areas 163 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIG. 4 .

Each support arrangement 924 includes a first support member 962 and asecond support member 964. A design of the first and second supportmembers 962, 964 is similar to the design of the first and secondsupport members 162, 164 of the panel assembly 110 described in relationto FIG. 4 . It should be noted that details pertaining to weldingconnections between the first and second support members 962, 964 andthe panel member 916 are similar to details pertaining to weldingconnections between the first and second support members 162, 164 andthe panel member 116 of the panel assembly 110 described in relation toFIG. 4 .

Further, design and details pertaining to arrangement of various partsof the panel assembly 900 is similar to design and details pertaining toarrangement of various parts of the panel assembly 110. However,dimensions of the frame member 918, the panel member 916, the first barmember 920, the second bar members 921, 922, the first areas 961, thefirst support member 962, the second support member 964, and the secondareas 963 of the panel assembly 900 may vary as per applicationrequirements.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to various designs of the panel assembly110, 700, 900. It should be noted that each panel assembly 110, 700, 900described herein demonstrates a minimum natural frequency of 200 Hertz(Hz). The panel assembly 110, 700, 900 minimizes a system level drop innatural frequency and vibrations due to exhaust gas pressure pulsations.This phenomenon reduces a probability of failure of the panel assembly110, 700, 900 due to pressure pulsations while the aftertreatmentassembly 100 is in operation.

For exemplary purposes, this section will now be explained in relationto the panel assembly 110 explained in relation to FIGS. 2 to 6 .However, the details provided below is equally applicable to the panelassembly 700 described in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8 and the panelassembly 900 described in relation to FIGS. 9 and 10 . The panelassembly 110 is light in weight and provides improved structuralrigidity as compared to conventional panel assemblies. Further, thepanel assembly 110 may be assembled from outside of the housing 104 ofthe aftertreatment system 102 thereby making the assembly processsimpler and efficient. Moreover, the design of the panel assembly 110described herein may not require lab/field structural validation.

Various parts of the panel assembly 110 includes a modular design andhave scalable patterns/geometry that allow overlapping of common partsfor different configurations of the aftertreatment system 102. The panelassembly 110 described herein is cost effective, easy to manufacture,and allows repeatability in a production environment. Further, the panelassembly 110 may increase manufacturing velocity, reduce productioncost, and allow standardization in design owing to the modular design ofthe panel assembly 110. Moreover, the panel assembly 110 describedherein may be retrofitted in existing aftertreatment assemblies due toits modular and adaptable design.

The panel assembly 110 includes the robust tubular built-in frame member118. Moreover, the frame sections 140, 142, 144, 146 of the frame member118 are secured to each other by the miter joint 148 using full weldingof 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. The miter joint 148 provides efficientsealing and restricts exhaust gases to be released into surrounding.Moreover, the panel assembly 110 includes the panels 126, 128 that arefully welded to the frame member 118 or the second bar members 122around its boundary with 3 to 6 mm fillet welds, to seal exhaust gasfrom leaking into the surrounding. In some examples, some second barmembers 121, 123 may be secured to the panels 126, 128 by spot weldingto further increase structural rigidity of the panel assembly 110. Itshould be noted that the welding connections between various parts ofthe panel assembly 110 may prevent leakage of the exhaust gas flowtowards the surrounding.

Further, the support arrangements 124 include the light-weight supportmembers 162, 164 that are only secured to the panel member 116. Itshould be noted that the support arrangements 124 are not secured to theframe member 118, the first bar member 120, and the second bar members121, 122, 123. The light-weight support members 162, 164 eliminatelocalized pockets of vibrations by introducing damping effect into thepanel assembly 110. Further, the panel member 116 is divided into thesecond areas 163 by the first and second support members 162, 164,thereby allowing the panel assembly 110 to achieve the minimum naturalfrequency of 200 Hz. More particularly, the first and second areas 161,163 of the panel assembly 110 reduce an unsupported length of the panelmember 116. Further, in some examples, the panel assemblies 110 thatform the housing 104 may be connected to each other by structuralmembers that further enhance natural frequency of the housing 104. Itshould be noted that dimensions of various parts of the panel assembly110 may be varied based on the configurations/sizes of differentaftertreatment systems, or other application requirements, therebyincreasing versatility of the panel assembly 110.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may becontemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems andmethods without departing from the spirit and scope of what isdisclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within thescope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims andany equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel assembly comprising: a panel memberdefining a longitudinal axis; a frame member secured to the panelmember; at least one first bar member extending along the longitudinalaxis of the panel member, the at least one first bar member beingsecured to the panel member and the frame member; at least one secondbar member extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the panel member, the at least one second bar member beingsecured to the panel member and the frame member, wherein the at leastone first bar member and the at least one second bar member divide thepanel member into a plurality of first areas defining a first height anda first width; and a plurality of support arrangements secured to thepanel member, wherein each of the plurality of first areas receive acorresponding support arrangement of the plurality of supportarrangements for dividing the first area into a plurality of secondareas, and wherein each support arrangement includes: a first supportmember extending along the longitudinal axis of the panel member, thefirst support member defining a first length such that the first widthdefined by the first area is greater than the first length; and a secondsupport member secured to the first support member and extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the first support member, the secondsupport member defining a second length such that the first heightdefined by the first area is greater than the second length.
 2. Thepanel assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel member includes one or morepanels.
 3. The panel assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the one ormore panels includes at least one first area.
 4. The panel assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one second bar member includes two or moresecond bar members.
 5. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the framemember includes a plurality of frame sections secured to each other,each frame section of the plurality of frame sections being secured toan adjacent frame section of the plurality of frame sections by a miterjoint.
 6. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame member, theat least one first bar member, the at least one second bar member, andthe plurality of support arrangements are secured to the panel member bywelding.
 7. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the at leastone first bar member and the at least one second bar member is securedto the frame member by welding.
 8. The panel assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of support arrangements are not secured to theframe member, the at least one first bar member, and the at least onesecond bar member.
 9. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of second areas includes four second areas.
 10. The panelassembly of claim 1, wherein the panel assembly is made of stainlesssteel.
 11. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of panelassemblies are arranged to form a housing for receiving anaftertreatment system.
 12. An aftertreatment assembly comprising: anaftertreatment system; and a housing for receiving the aftertreatmentsystem, wherein the housing includes a plurality of panel assembliesarranged to define a hollow space for receiving the aftertreatmentsystem, wherein each panel assembly includes: a panel member defining alongitudinal axis; a frame member secured to the panel member; at leastone first bar member extending along the longitudinal axis of the panelmember, the at least one first bar member being secured to the panelmember and the frame member; at least one second bar member extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the panelmember, the at least one second bar member being secured to the panelmember and the frame member, wherein the at least one first bar memberand the at least one second bar member divide the panel member into aplurality of first areas defining a first height and a first width; anda plurality of support arrangements secured to the panel member, whereineach of the plurality of first areas receive a corresponding supportarrangement of the plurality of support arrangements for dividing thefirst area into a plurality of second areas, and wherein each supportarrangement includes: a first support member extending along thelongitudinal axis of the panel member, the first support member defininga first length such that the first width defined by the first area isgreater than the first length; and a second support member secured tothe first support member and extending substantially perpendicular tothe first support member, the second support member defining a secondlength such that the first height defined by the first area is greaterthan the second length.
 13. The aftertreatment assembly of claim 12,wherein the panel member includes one or more panels.
 14. Theaftertreatment assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the one or morepanels includes at least one first area.
 15. The aftertreatment assemblyof claim 12, wherein the frame member includes a plurality of framesections secured to each other, each frame section of the plurality offrame sections being secured to an adjacent frame section of theplurality of frame sections by a miter joint.
 16. The aftertreatmentassembly of claim 12, wherein the frame member, the at least one firstbar member, the at least one second bar member, and the plurality ofsupport arrangements are secured to the panel member by welding.
 17. Theaftertreatment assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the at least onefirst bar member and the at least one second bar member is secured tothe frame member by welding.
 18. The aftertreatment assembly of claim12, wherein the plurality of support arrangements are not secured to theframe member, the at least one first bar member, and the at least onesecond bar member.
 19. The aftertreatment assembly of claim 12, whereineach of the plurality of second areas includes four second areas. 20.The aftertreatment assembly of claim 12, wherein the panel assembly ismade of stainless steel.